Online Safety Support for Parents and Carers

The internet is a wonderful resource which enables us all to connect, communicate, learn and be creative in a variety of ways. However, the internet is also fast moving and ever changing and can be an area of particular difficulty for parents and carers seeking to support their children to engage in the online world in a safe and positive environment. One of the key risks when using the internet is that young people may be exposed to inappropriate material. This may be material that is pornographic, hateful or violent in nature; that encourages activities that are dangerous or illegal; or that is age-inappropriate or biased. The concern is that the digital world is complicated. It is risky, challenging and has little respect for age.

The links, videos and information below relate to items covered in the ICTinspires presentation.
Clickhereto take you to additional external links with parent guidance and information.

This guide is for those parents who have attended an ICTinspires parent session.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BOOK:
“If you have children, stop what you are doing and pick up a copy” The Times
“Fascinating useful and well researched, it will change the way you think about technology – Our Verdict 9/10” The Sunday Post

Talk to your child about what they are doing online. Having these discussions little and often is more effective than ‘one big chat’.

Use webcam and devices in family areas and not bedrooms. Young children do not have reasoning skills to keep themselves safe independently, if they are faced with experienced offenders who know how to manipulate and overpower children.

Private platforms to chat – Make sure your child knows to keep their conversations in open and public areas.

Build resilience – Loneliness can be an issue for children and offenders can exploit this, especially with primary aged children. Have conversations and give activities that help build your child’s self-esteem e.g. offline activities like drawing.

Make sure your child knows where to go for support – Children can sometimes feel they are to blame if something goes wrong online. Remind your child that they can always speak to an you or adult they trust if they are worried no matter what may have happened.

Social networking/chat rooms/Gaming

Talk to your child(ren) about digital privacy

Talk to your child(ren) about ‘friends’ – someone they ‘meet online’ is NOT a friend

Decide what PEGI rating games you will allow them to play and be aware that extreme gaming may be a safeguarding issue (e.g. 16+, 18+ games)